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quasinaut's reviews
199 reviews
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Plot-wise, this was a very enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, romance perfect for anyone who likes GBBO. That said, I felt that Rosaline's emotional growth added depth that I really appreciated! From the start, Rosaline stands up for others, particularly her daughter, but struggles to speak up for herself and her dreams. We see her figure out what she wants, learn to recognize (rather obvious) red flags in others, and pursue her goals even when they don't match with what's expected of her by her parents or society at large. Love this journey!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Classism
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Fatphobia
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
I started and restarted this book three times, and it just didn't capture me! The premise and writing seemed really fun; just not the right book for me right now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Racism and Classism
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I bounced off this book a few years ago, but I'm so glad I came back to it. The first quarter of the book, though beautifully written and necessary to ground the story, is definitely slower! Once the journey truly starts, I was caught up in this fascinating and devastating story. I love the value placed on storytelling and fairy tales, the exploration of grief and vengeance, the combination of practical and mystical.
I can't wait to read Muse of Nightmares -- while also scared at how much it will destroy me!
I can't wait to read Muse of Nightmares -- while also scared at how much it will destroy me!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, and Grief
Minor: Rape, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Flying Solo by Linda Holmes
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Gosh, I loved bits and pieces of this book, but there were certainly parts that didn't work for me.
Some stuff I liked: Laurie and her friendships with June and Nick and Daisy, the evolution of these relationships (as well as Laurie's understanding of her own independence), Nick's research skills and library commentary, and the nefarious discovery and resulting caper/heist.
On the other hand, the overall premise didn't feel quite right to me. I found it odd that Laurie would be left so on-her-own by her family to clean out Dot's belongings. Her brothers couldn't each come for a few days? Where are her aunts?
Also, just because something is tucked in a box doesn't mean it was intentionally hidden away and therefore special. I was surprised Laurie let the duck go over momentary embarrassment (especially since she originally wanted to keep it regardless of its value). Maybe I'm just being nitpicky! But I wanted everything to fit together a bit more cohesively than it did for me.
Some stuff I liked: Laurie and her friendships with June and Nick and Daisy, the evolution of these relationships (as well as Laurie's understanding of her own independence), Nick's research skills and library commentary, and the nefarious discovery and resulting caper/heist.
On the other hand, the overall premise didn't feel quite right to me. I found it odd that Laurie would be left so on-her-own by her family to clean out Dot's belongings. Her brothers couldn't each come for a few days? Where are her aunts?
Also, just because something is tucked in a box doesn't mean it was intentionally hidden away and therefore special. I was surprised Laurie let the duck go over momentary embarrassment (especially since she originally wanted to keep it regardless of its value). Maybe I'm just being nitpicky! But I wanted everything to fit together a bit more cohesively than it did for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Fatphobia, Infertility, and Racism
Infinite Jes by Sam Starbuck
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The premise -- King Emeritus Michaelis recording his memoirs rather than dictating them to the librarian -- was an inventive way to get him into podcasting, but admittedly I didn't find it all that interesting to read about (I'd be happy to never think about soundproofing again). That said, I loved meeting Noah and Jes, seeing Michaelis adapt to retirement, and catching moments with the other characters from Fête for a King. All in all, a delicious romance with even more Askazer-Shivadlakia worldbuilding.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content, Transphobia, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Fête for a King by Sam Starbuck
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a delightful escape into a budding friends-to-lovers romance set in a fictional European micronation with just enough details (language, culture, food, history) to make it rich and lovely.
Of course, I didn't review this immediately after reading, so I've forgotten many details (and any complaints)!
Of course, I didn't review this immediately after reading, so I've forgotten many details (and any complaints)!
Content Warnings
Minor: Biphobia, Sexual content, and Death of parent
What Kind of Woman: Poems by Kate Baer
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Gosh, I just struggle with poetry!
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
4.0
Short and sweet, with beautiful illustrations.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Sexism
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed reading a story that focused on the ambitious, in-control "city person" and that didn't just have romance, but was so tangled up with Nora's relationship with her sister Libby. To be honest, the dialogue and interpersonal interactions often had awkward moments that distracted me from the story, though I did find Nora and Charlie to have great chemistry and it was nice seeing Nora realize what she really wanted and where she wanted to be.
Also, I would have loved to see the book from multiple perspectives, where we also see Libby's point of view, her adventures during the day in Sunshine Falls, her frustrations with Nora, her mentally adapting to her next stage in life. Just hearing from Nora felt a little too flat and one-sided, especially since Nora was so caught up in fixing everything that she was blinded to what was really going on with Libby.
Also, I would have loved to see the book from multiple perspectives, where we also see Libby's point of view, her adventures during the day in Sunshine Falls, her frustrations with Nora, her mentally adapting to her next stage in life. Just hearing from Nora felt a little too flat and one-sided, especially since Nora was so caught up in fixing everything that she was blinded to what was really going on with Libby.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit and Medical content
To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan, Meg Wolitzer
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Cuuuuute! This is a lovely middle grade novel captured in emails between Bett and Avery, with occasional messages to and from their dads and other characters. It was delightful to see the two girls fall into a friendship and draw others into their orbit to create a new and sometimes-rocky but loving chosen family.
I found myself wanting more insight into the dads and their experiences -- they didn't feel fully fleshed out to me -- but perhaps just because I'm closer in age to them than the daughters!
I found myself wanting more insight into the dads and their experiences -- they didn't feel fully fleshed out to me -- but perhaps just because I'm closer in age to them than the daughters!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Medical content and Abandonment